December–February

Steps to take

As you select courses for your senior year, consider college admission requirements, as well as what you may be interested in studying.

Along with your guidance counselor, identify your academic strengths and weaknesses in relation to areas you may want to consider at college.

Do some job shadowing to learn more about careers that interest you.

Discuss a financial plan with your family. How do you plan to pay for school? Check out financial aid and scholarship information at www.finaid.org.

Keep studying hard; seek help in subjects that are giving you difficulty.

March–May

Steps to take

Prepare for the ACT and SAT by investigating test preparation tools such as classes, online resources, and books.

Take the ACT or SAT. Many students test more than once. You can retake the test in the summer or fall to improve your score.

Attend college fairs, search college websites, and call schools that have fields of study you are interested in for information.

NDSU-specific steps

When you take the ACT or SAT, list NDSU for receiving your test scores. Our ACT code is 3202 (the ACT writing test is not required at NDSU). Our SAT code is 6474.

Make a personal visit to NDSU. To schedule a visit, call 800-488-NDSU or 701-231-8643, complete our online request, or e-mail us at ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu. It’s best to contact us at least a week in advance. Your visit will include:

A meeting with an admission counselor

A campus tour with a current student

A meeting with a faculty member in your major when possible

June–July

Steps to take

Continue to evaluate the colleges on your list. Visit their websites to find out what is happening on campus.

Save money from your summer job for college expenses.

Prepare a list of questions for your campus visits to make the most of the experience.

Visit colleges to help you narrow your list.

Schedule a campus tour

Meet with an admission counselor

If available, talk with a faculty member and students in your area of interest.

Senior Year

Make sure you’re prepared to take the final steps of your college application process.

August

Steps to take

Narrow your list of college choices.

Take the ACT or SAT if you haven’t already.

Research private scholarship sources and contact them for application information.

September

Steps to take

Attend college fairs. Visit an NDSU representative.

Visit college websites and contact schools you’re interested in for information and applications. Be aware of application deadlines and create a timeline or calendar. This should include:

Admissions

Housing

Scholarship

Financial did

Missing a deadline can change everything.

Ask teachers, coaches, counselors and other mentors for letters of recommendation.

NDSU-specific steps

Begin the NDSU application for admission this month. It’s best to complete your application during fall semester to ensure that information about scholarships, housing, orientation, and registration is received on time. Apply online using the online application.

October

Steps to take

Take the ACT or SAT. Send your scores to the colleges you’re applying to. You may want to retest to improve your score.

Schedule a second campus visit to your top choices. See what campuses are like when classes are in session.

November

Steps to take

NDSU-specific steps

Schedule a visit to campus if you have not done so. Call the Campus Visit Coordinator at least a week before your visit, at 800-488-NDSU or 701-231-8643. You can also submit your request to ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu.

December

Steps to take

Apply to any colleges remaining on your list, if you haven't already. Keep copies of your applications. Promptly return all forms mailed to you by colleges where you've applied.

Submit a request for housing, or find out about housing options in the community if arrangements aren’t made for you.

NDSU-specific steps

The priority deadline for Guaranteed Scholarships (NDSU Presidential, Presidential Honor, and Provost's Scholarships) is December 15. Students who have submitted all required application materials and meet required scholarship criteria as of the December 15 priority deadline are guaranteed an award. Students completing the admission process after December 15 will be considered for scholarships based on the funds available.

Complete paperwork such as the Housing Contract and New Student Scholarship Application.

NDSU-specific steps

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by NDSU's priority deadline of February 1.

Schedule a visit to campus if you have not done so. Call the Campus Visit Coordinator at least a week before your visit, at 800-488-NDSU or 701-231-8643. You can also submit your request to ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu.

April

Steps to take

Decide which college you want to attend. Confirm your attendance, if required. Cancel your admission at schools you will not attend.

Ask questions. This is a new experience for you, and we want you to have the answers. Call schools and ask for help if you need it.

NDSU-specific steps

Visit campus during Discover NDSU. Dates and times are on the Discover NDSU page.

Register for Summer Orientation. Dates and times are mailed to all admitted students in April.

Have your high school send your official transcripts to NDSU. Your transcript must have a graduation date and final grade point average.

If you took college coursework while in high school, have your official transcript sent to NDSU.

If you have received an NDSU scholarship, be sure to reply and accept your award by May 1.

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student-focused, land-grant, research university. We are a top-ranked institution, providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges – our graduates shape a better world.